Apple has introduced a new iPod shuffle, and the company says it is now the world’s smallest digital music player. Nearly half the size of the original, the new iPod shuffle is just half a cubic inch in volume, weighs just half an ounce and features an all-new aluminum design and a built-in clip.

The new iPod shuffle comes with 1GB (gigabyte) of flash memory which holds up to 240 songs, and will retail for US$79.

iPod shuffle is based on Apple’s shuffle feature which lets users enjoy their songs in a random order. Or listeners can simply flip a switch to listen to their songs in order, such as when listening to a new album. iPod shuffle features up to 12 hours of battery life.

The new iPod shuffle is expected to be available worldwide in October online through the Apple Store, Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. iPod shuffle includes earbud headphones and an iPod shuffle Dock.